Observation: Photuris versicolor
Primary Observer:
Mara Zimmerman
Event Date:
2026-07-08
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Kellys Run Site #3
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-07-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:22
End Time:
21:50
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Mara Zimmerman
Additional Observers:
Lisa Zimmerman
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Most of the area was woodland, but electrical lines cut through at one point creating an open space.
Elevation (meters):
221.8
Area Searched (hectares):
74.83
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Flashlight
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Flashlight
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
A hiker passed during the survey using a flashlight.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
versicolor
Observation Notes:
The specimen that was caught was about 1.8 cm long and was flying around some shrubs at the forest's edge.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:44
Last Flash Time:
21:50
First Flash Temp (F):
76.4
Last Flash Temp (F):
76.4
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
3.67
Flash Duration:
1.2
Flash Interval:
2.13
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
The fireflies with this flash pattern were swooping around the tall grasses of a power line break in the forest and they also came into the forest edge.
Male Flash Behavior:
The males flew in a horizontal pattern after starting to glow which made the flashes appear like a streak of light following the fireflies.
